Paola Opal's Blog

Find my Simply Small books along with holiday cheer at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Stop by the Itty Bitty Bookshop booth to enjoy festive fun and discover children’s books by local authors like me!

NOV 13 – DEC 24

Jack Poole Plaza
Beside the Vancouver Convention Centre

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Special Event at Crescent Beach GalleryImage: art by Paola Syme on left, Jeanie Tang on right.THREE LITTLE BIRDIES

Join me on October 5 from 1-4 pm at the Crescent Beach Gallery for a collaborative art show featuring my work along with work from Jeanie Tang and Ashley Tong.

My children’s books (under pen name Paola Opal) will also be available there, and free colouring pages for the littles!

OPENING EVENT

Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

1 to 4pm on October 5th, 2025.
Crescent Beach Gallery
12160 Beecher Street, Surrey BC

GALLERY HOURS

October 4th to 19th, 2025
Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays
Noon to 4 PM

Special hours for the Culture Crawl
October 4 and 5th from 10AM to 5 PM

More about the work and the artists at paolasyme.com  

Paola Opal reads Cheera from her Simply Small Series, designed for little ones with growing minds.

Cheera is a baby cheetah who loves to run and play and has a hard time settling down for a nap. But, by the end of the book Cheera finally finds a way to get some rest. A purrrfect read for littles on their way to sleep.

Cheera is the latest release in the Simply Small series, which now has over a dozen books. Each one is about a baby animal who finds a clever solution to their not-so-small problem. The books can be read in any order and are suited for both boys and girls.

Learn More

Paola Opal reads Saffy from her Simply Small Series, designed for little ones with growing minds.

Saffy is a baby giraffe too short to reach even the lowest branches of the tree. Mommy offers to pick her a leaf to eat, but Saffy wants to get her own. Will she find a way?

Saffy is the first story of the Simply Small series, which now has over a dozen more books. Each one is about a baby animal who finds a clever solution to their not-so-small problem. The books can be read in any order and are suited for both boys and girls.

Learn more >

A quick video about the Simply Small board book series and related products.

When you share the joy of Simply Small with those you love

I designed the Simply Small board book series for little ones with growing minds. Each story is about a baby animal who finds a clever solution to a problem that kids can relate to.

I’ve also designed Valentines Day cards based on characters from the books with cute messages to share with those you love. Just download the PDF from Etsy, print and cut. Perfect for kids in classrooms.

Buy on EtsyUse code SAVE40 
to save 40% on purchases at my Etsy shop 
until February 14, 2024. 

Paola Opal introduces her new book Monisms and shares what inspired it.Coloring Book with PoemsTo Take You To A Happy Place

This book offers coloring fun and joyful focus for ages 6 to 106. Uplifting poems are paired with magical landscapes and detailed patterns in Paola Opal’s distinctive art style. There are 36 pages of original content for you to enjoy. Images include butterflies, birds, whales, owls, trees, flowers, squirrels, planets, bees, seascapes, snails and more. 

Makes a great holiday gift! Order yours today.

AmazonAMAZON (CA)

September 16, 2023 at Robson Square

Join me along with other local authors and illustrators at Word Vancouver, a FREE festival to celebrate books! It’s a great opportunity to connect with real, live, local creators. Not only can you discover local hidden gems but you can also feel good about supporting local talent.

I will be at the Books of the Pandemic table from 10-11 AM at the UBC building in Robson Square, presenting Spookie and Tecka, two books from my Simply Small Series that were released during the early days of the pandemic.

And, I’ll have free Simply Small craft kits and free colouring pages to give out while quantities last!

Paola Opal reads Bitsy from her Simply Small Series, designed for little ones with growing minds. Mommy and Daddy are building a dam. Can Bitsy the baby beaver find a way to help? BUY ON AMAZONAMAZON CANADA

Available wherever books are sold.

One of 21 Amazing Holiday Gift Ideas for Babies and Toddlers
– Canadian Family Magazine (Today’s Parent)

*** Recommended Read ***
– CTTC

Learn More >

Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM AT KINDER BOOKS

Local author/illustrator Paola Opal reads from her Simply Small board book series for ages 0-4. Bold and bright, each one is about a cute baby animal that solves a problem young children can relate to.

REGISTER NOW

FREE FOR EVERYONE
Register at Kinderbooks.ca

Kinder Books
101 – 810 Quayside Dr. 
New Westminster, BC
(Story time will take place upstairs in the main foyer by the Circus School. Children must be accompanied by caregiver.)

Enter to win an adorable Simply Small cotton tote bag. Perfect for storing Simply Small books!

Fill out a contest entry form in person at Kinder Books. Contest ends May 7, 2023. Winner will be notified by email.

Or, buy this bag on Redbubble.